An Introduction to the FF Wellness Fitness Initiative

							Introduction to the
 Wellness Fitness
  Initiative (WFI)

By Lt. Denise Paganacci
       Objectives
• History
• Goals
• WFI components
          NFPA 1583
• The purpose of this standard is to
  provide the minimum requirement for a
  health related fitness program for the
  fire department members who are
  involved in rescue, fire suppression,
  EMS, hazardous materials operations,
  special operations, and related
  activities
WFI History
• IAFF and IAFC/ACE
• Equipment and Apparatus
  Maintenance; not personnel?
• Increased injuries and
  psychological stress
• Increased risk of Heart Disease
Facts

• 1 year average weight gain
• 44% increase in Coronary Artery
  Disease (NUMBER ONE!)
• Cops only at 25 %
WFI History
•   Austin, Texas FD
•   Calgary, Alberta FD
•   Charlotte, North Carolina FD
•   Fairfax County, Virginia FD
•   Indianapolis, Indiana FD
•   Los Angeles County, FD
•   Miami Dade, Florida FD
•   City of New York, NY FD
•   Phoenix, Arizona FD
•   Seattle, Washington FD
              GOAL
• Improve quality of life
• Improve firefighter fitness
• Decrease injuries
 Medical Evaluations
• Prior to engaging in fitness
  program, yearly medical
  evaluation.
• Identifies risk factors
    Fitness Evaluations
•   Provide baseline
•   Cardiovascular Component
•   Muscular Strength Component
•   Muscular Endurance Component
•   Flexibility
•   Body Mass Index
 Injury/Fitness Rehab
  According to the 1999 Death and
              Injury Survey
• Low back injuries and sprains and
  strains account 52% of all injuries
• 1 in 3 FF injured annually
   Behavioral Health
     Component
• Wellness program not complete
  without addressing behavioral
  health in fire service.
• EAP programs
• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
  programs
Peer Fitness Trainers

• Firefighters assist to train fellow FF
• PFT assist members in exercise
  program design, program
  implementation, program
  administration
• Promote peer fitness services
     Data collection

• Wellness Fitness Database is
  confidential
• To provide information that will
  assess the medical and fitness hx.
• Validates and determines impact
  of WFI
          Summary
• History of the Wellness Fitness
  Initiative
• Need for the WFI
• Components of the WFI